Perceptions of Climate Change, Meteorological Trends and Implications for Smallholder Cashew Farming in Ghana: Evidence From the Jaman North District

Abstract

Agricultural systems face significant threats from climate change due to their high sensitivity to expected risks. While discussions about the impacts of climate change on food security, especially food crop production, are inconclusive, less attention has been given to cash crop production, which greatly contributes to the local economies of producing countries. Adapting agriculture to climate risks benefits from analysing trends and perceptions of climate change and its effects. This research examined the intersection of climate change and local perceptions, analysing climatic factors and their perceived impacts on small-scale cashew farming in Ghana. Using insights from the Jaman North District, primary data were collected from 250 cashew farmers through household surveys, 10 focus group discussions, and 5 key informant interviews. Trend analysis revealed a shifting start and end of the rainy season, an extended growing period, and increased rainfall (p > 0.05) and temperatures (p < 0.05). These findings supported smallholder farmers' perceptions of rising temperatures (98.4%), changes in the timing of the rainy season (99.6%), and rainfall variability (99.2%). The farmers reported experiencing various adverse effects from these climatic changes, including a decrease in household income (95.2%), lower cashew nut yields (90.0%), reduced market value (90.0%), and increased pest and disease pressure (85.2%). This study highlights the urgent need for adaptation strategies and policies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable farming communities and to sustain cashew production in the region.